It's a Wonderful Life in Hawaii

In a scene from the 1964 British film Wonderful Life, pop star Cliff Richard plays the acoustic guitar while accompanied by Hawaiian dancers. 9601280

In a scene from the 1964 British film Wonderful Life, pop star Cliff Richard plays the acoustic guitar while accompanied by Hawaiian dancers.

GAB Archive/Redferns

Hawaiian Honeymoon

Hawaiian Honeymoon

Hawaii has always been a popular honeymoon destination. After it became the 50th state in 1959, this exotic island paradise became the place for many Americans to honeymoon without having to leave the country.9601280

Hawaii has always been a popular honeymoon destination. After it became the 50th state in 1959, this exotic island paradise became the place for many Americans to honeymoon without having to leave the country.

Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images

Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach Cove

One of the most steamy beach scenes in film history was filmed in Hawaii. In the famous kissing sequence in From Here to Eternity, stars Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr roll around in the frothy waves on Oahu’s Halona Beach Cove. 9601280

One of the most steamy beach scenes in film history was filmed in Hawaii. In the famous kissing sequence in From Here to Eternity, stars Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr roll around in the frothy waves on Oahu’s Halona Beach Cove.

Columbia Pictures/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Blue Hawaii

Blue Hawaii

Music legend Elvis Presley, donning a Hawaiian shirt and lei, plays a ukulele in the 1961 film Blue Hawaii.9601280

Music legend Elvis Presley, donning a Hawaiian shirt and lei, plays a ukulele in the 1961 film Blue Hawaii.

Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images

Air Travel to Hawaii

Air Travel to Hawaii

Air travel in the mid-1930s made it possible for tourists to come to Hawaii faster, without having to take a long ship journey as in times past. Suddenly, a week’s vacation in this island paradise became more feasible for many Americans.9601280

Air travel in the mid-1930s made it possible for tourists to come to Hawaii faster, without having to take a long ship journey as in times past. Suddenly, a week’s vacation in this island paradise became more feasible for many Americans.

Underwood Archives/Getty Images

Hawaii, 1930s-Style

Hawaii, 1930s-Style

Hawaii played the beautiful backdrop for the 1934 musical film Flirtation Walk, about a private stationed in Hawaii who gets involved with the general's engaged daughter.9601280

Hawaii played the beautiful backdrop for the 1934 musical film Flirtation Walk, about a private stationed in Hawaii who gets involved with the general's engaged daughter.

Warner Brothers/Getty Images

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach

One of the best places in the world for beginner surfers is Waikiki Hawaii. Long rolling waves, no sharp reefs or rocks in the area, and little wind make it a perfect spot to learn to surf. In the 1950s, surfing in Waikiki became one of the most popular tourist activities. 9601280

One of the best places in the world for beginner surfers is Waikiki Hawaii. Long rolling waves, no sharp reefs or rocks in the area, and little wind make it a perfect spot to learn to surf. In the 1950s, surfing in Waikiki became one of the most popular tourist activities.

Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Hula Dance

Hula Dance

In ancient Hawaii, the hula dance was used to pass down history and myth from generation to generation. In the 1960s, the influx of tourists sparked renewed interest in this visual art form as a way to maintain the Hawaiian culture … and to put on a good show for visitors. 9601280

In ancient Hawaii, the hula dance was used to pass down history and myth from generation to generation. In the 1960s, the influx of tourists sparked renewed interest in this visual art form as a way to maintain the Hawaiian culture … and to put on a good show for visitors.

H. Armstrong Roberts/Retrofile/Getty Images

First Lady of Waikiki

First Lady of Waikiki

With a prime oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach, The Moana Hotel, as it was known when it was built in 1901, is often referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” With a $50 million renovation in 1989, the historic Moana Surfrider Resort and Spa, as it is known today, was restored with modern luxury in mind and continues to be one of the finest hotels in Honolulu.9601280

With a prime oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach, The Moana Hotel, as it was known when it was built in 1901, is often referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” With a $50 million renovation in 1989, the historic Moana Surfrider Resort and Spa, as it is known today, was restored with modern luxury in mind and continues to be one of the finest hotels in Honolulu.

George Silk//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

Surf Like Gidget

Surf Like Gidget

In the 1960s, surfing films like Gidget (and the TV series of the same name) and Endless Summer inspired young Americans to not only learn to surf but to search for the perfect wave all over the world, including beautiful locations throughout Hawaii. 9601280

In the 1960s, surfing films like Gidget (and the TV series of the same name) and Endless Summer inspired young Americans to not only learn to surf but to search for the perfect wave all over the world, including beautiful locations throughout Hawaii.

Keystone/Getty Images

Brady Bunch in Hawaii

Brady Bunch in Hawaii

Proving that Hawaii is the ultimate American family vacation, The Brady Bunch filmed the “Hawaii Bound” episode in Honolulu in 1972, with the icon of Hawaiian entertainment, Don Ho, as guest star. 9601280

Proving that Hawaii is the ultimate American family vacation, The Brady Bunch filmed the “Hawaii Bound” episode in Honolulu in 1972, with the icon of Hawaiian entertainment, Don Ho, as guest star.

CBS via Getty Images

Led Zeppelin in Hawaii

Led Zeppelin in Hawaii

Rock gods Led Zeppelin arrive in Honolulu in 1969. The band -- John Bonham, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page -- “get leid” as soon as they arrive at the Honolulu Airport. 9601280

Rock gods Led Zeppelin arrive in Honolulu in 1969. The band -- John Bonham, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page -- “get leid” as soon as they arrive at the Honolulu Airport.

Robert Knight Archive/Redferns

Hawaiian Nights… With Mamie

Hawaiian Nights… With Mamie

American actress and blonde bombshell Mamie Van Doren plays a glamour girl in the 1954 musical film short Hawaiian Nights. 9601280

American actress and blonde bombshell Mamie Van Doren plays a glamour girl in the 1954 musical film short Hawaiian Nights.

FPG/Getty Images

SS Lurline

SS Lurline

Women learn the hula aboard the SS Lurline during a voyage in summer 1954. The SS Lurline typically operated between San Francisco and Honolulu for the Matson cruise line.9601280

Women learn the hula aboard the SS Lurline during a voyage in summer 1954. The SS Lurline typically operated between San Francisco and Honolulu for the Matson cruise line.

Gene Lester/Getty Images

Hawaii Five-O in Honolulu

Hawaii Five-O in Honolulu

Shot on location in Honolulu, the original police drama Hawaii Five-O aired from 1968 to 1980. The reimagined TV series, Hawaii Five-0 premiered in 2010 and is filmed on Oahu. 9601280

Shot on location in Honolulu, the original police drama Hawaii Five-O aired from 1968 to 1980. The reimagined TV series, Hawaii Five-0 premiered in 2010 and is filmed on Oahu.

CBS via Getty Images

Kauai

Kauai

While no one knows exactly where Gilligan’s Island is (including Gilligan and the rest of the castaways), the pilot and first episode of this classic American sitcom were actually filmed on the Hawaiian island of Kauai in 1963. 9601280

While no one knows exactly where Gilligan’s Island is (including Gilligan and the rest of the castaways), the pilot and first episode of this classic American sitcom were actually filmed on the Hawaiian island of Kauai in 1963.

CBS/Getty Images

US Navy at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

US Navy at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

In 1942, the US Navy leased The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and transformed it into a rest and recuperation center for military and civilian workers. 9601280

In 1942, the US Navy leased The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and transformed it into a rest and recuperation center for military and civilian workers.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head Crater

A young American couple honeymoon in Honolulu in the 1950s. In the background is the extinct volcanic crater Diamond Head, which became a National Natural Landmark in 1968. 9601280

A young American couple honeymoon in Honolulu in the 1950s. In the background is the extinct volcanic crater Diamond Head, which became a National Natural Landmark in 1968.

Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images

King Kamehameha

King Kamehameha

A 1932 Ford Custom Roadster is parked in front of the King Kamehameha statue on Oahu’s Waikiki Beach.9601280

A 1932 Ford Custom Roadster is parked in front of the King Kamehameha statue on Oahu’s Waikiki Beach.

Ed Moon/Source Interlink Media/Getty Images

Pineapple Island

Pineapple Island

In the late 1800s, sugar and later, pineapple plantations powered Hawaii's economy. James Dole turned Lanai into the world’s leading exporter of pineapple, earning it the nickname “Pineapple Island.” 9601280

In the late 1800s, sugar and later, pineapple plantations powered Hawaii's economy. James Dole turned Lanai into the world’s leading exporter of pineapple, earning it the nickname “Pineapple Island.”

NBCU Photo Bank

Hawaiian Entertainer Don Ho

Hawaiian Entertainer Don Ho

Legendary crooner Don Ho entertained tourists for decades and was one of Hawaii's best known musicians. He is best known for his show at the Waikiki Beachcomber, where he would perform his trademark "Tiny Bubbles." He died on April 14, 2007 at the age of 76.9601280

Legendary crooner Don Ho entertained tourists for decades and was one of Hawaii's best known musicians. He is best known for his show at the Waikiki Beachcomber, where he would perform his trademark "Tiny Bubbles." He died on April 14, 2007 at the age of 76.

NBCU Photo Bank

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Located on the famous Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel led the travel renaissance in Hawaii. Built in 1927, this iconic hotel remains one of the most luxurious hotels in Waikiki, after a long history of being the playground for Hawaiian chiefs and later, Hollywood’s elite. 9601280

Located on the famous Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel led the travel renaissance in Hawaii. Built in 1927, this iconic hotel remains one of the most luxurious hotels in Waikiki, after a long history of being the playground for Hawaiian chiefs and later, Hollywood’s elite.

Underwood Archives/Getty Images

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Tour de France’s 100th

Tour de France’s 100th

Cycling’s premier annual event marks its 100th anniversary in 2013. The very first Tour de France comprised a 5-stage race, beginning in Paris and stopping in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nantes before returning to Paris. Today, the race typically spans 21 days and a total of 2,000 miles; 2013’s Tour de France will start in Corsica, in the city of Porto-Vecchio, and finish at dusk in Paris.9601280

Cycling’s premier annual event marks its 100th anniversary in 2013. The very first Tour de France comprised a 5-stage race, beginning in Paris and stopping in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nantes before returning to Paris. Today, the race typically spans 21 days and a total of 2,000 miles; 2013’s Tour de France will start in Corsica, in the city of Porto-Vecchio, and finish at dusk in Paris.

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Grand Central’s 100th

Grand Central’s 100th

This megadaddy of rail travel turns 100 in 2013. Spanning 48 acres, the grand Beaux-Arts-designed terminal has risen and fallen (it went into bankruptcy in 1970 and even faced potential demolition), and risen again. Today, the hub is the world’s sixth most visited tourist attraction, according to a Travel + Leisure survey.9601280

This megadaddy of rail travel turns 100 in 2013. Spanning 48 acres, the grand Beaux-Arts-designed terminal has risen and fallen (it went into bankruptcy in 1970 and even faced potential demolition), and risen again. Today, the hub is the world’s sixth most visited tourist attraction, according to a Travel + Leisure survey.

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Groundhog Day at 20

Groundhog Day at 20

Thank the 1993 Bill Murray flick for catapulting this furry little guy onto the national scene. 2013 marks the American comedy-turned-classic’s 20th anniversary. Celebrate with a trip to the central Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney, where thousands have gathered each year since 1886 to await Punxsutawney Phil’s end-of-winter predictions. According to records dating back to 1887, Phil’s been accurate 39% of the time. 9601280

Thank the 1993 Bill Murray flick for catapulting this furry little guy onto the national scene. 2013 marks the American comedy-turned-classic’s 20th anniversary. Celebrate with a trip to the central Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney, where thousands have gathered each year since 1886 to await Punxsutawney Phil’s end-of-winter predictions. According to records dating back to 1887, Phil’s been accurate 39% of the time.

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125 Years of Nat Geo

125 Years of Nat Geo

Many leaders have had the National Geographic Society to thank for kindling their imagination in exploring the world around them. Among them was America’s 36th president LBJ -- he once said, “My mother brought me up by putting the Bible in my right hand and the National Geographic magazine in my left.” 9601280

Many leaders have had the National Geographic Society to thank for kindling their imagination in exploring the world around them. Among them was America’s 36th president LBJ -- he once said, “My mother brought me up by putting the Bible in my right hand and the National Geographic magazine in my left.”

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Amsterdam’s Big Year

Amsterdam’s Big Year

Amsterdam sees an epic year of milestones ahead: In 2013, Amsterdam marks the 175th birthday of the Artis Royal Zoo, the nation's most famous zoo, which houses 900 species of animals. The Dutch capital is also celebrating the 400th anniversary of its famed Canal Ring, which has given Amsterdam the moniker, "Venice of the North."9601280

Amsterdam sees an epic year of milestones ahead: In 2013, Amsterdam marks the 175th birthday of the Artis Royal Zoo, the nation's most famous zoo, which houses 900 species of animals. The Dutch capital is also celebrating the 400th anniversary of its famed Canal Ring, which has given Amsterdam the moniker, "Venice of the North."

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Hitchcock’s The Birds 50th

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One day, without warning, this idyllic coastal town in Sonoma County, CA, was attacked by … the birds! Who can ever look at birds the same way after watching Hitchcock’s suspense-horror classic, which turns 50 in 2013. Mark the occasion with a visit to Bodega Bay, and keep a watchful eye on the sky -- you just never know. 9601280

One day, without warning, this idyllic coastal town in Sonoma County, CA, was attacked by … the birds! Who can ever look at birds the same way after watching Hitchcock’s suspense-horror classic, which turns 50 in 2013. Mark the occasion with a visit to Bodega Bay, and keep a watchful eye on the sky -- you just never know.

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Harley-Davidson at 110

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The freedom of the open road, the need for speed -- this journey began 110 years ago in Milwaukee. In 1903, the granddaddy of American motorcycle manufacturers got its start in a small machine shop, where a 23-year-old engineering genius William Sylvester Harley toiled away. Harley worked on a “motor-cycle” with childhood friend Arthur Davidson; the rest is bad-ass history.9601280

The freedom of the open road, the need for speed -- this journey began 110 years ago in Milwaukee. In 1903, the granddaddy of American motorcycle manufacturers got its start in a small machine shop, where a 23-year-old engineering genius William Sylvester Harley toiled away. Harley worked on a “motor-cycle” with childhood friend Arthur Davidson; the rest is bad-ass history.

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The Drive-In Turns 70

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This icon of American pop culture became official 70 years ago, when a chemical company magnate was granted a patent for his invention: an outdoor theater. From humble beginnings (the first drive-in opened in Pennsauken Township, NJ), the drive-in movie theater peaked in popularity from the late 1950s to early 1960s. You can relive the glory days at retro drive-ins like Sandell Theater in Clarendon, TX.9601280

This icon of American pop culture became official 70 years ago, when a chemical company magnate was granted a patent for his invention: an outdoor theater. From humble beginnings (the first drive-in opened in Pennsauken Township, NJ), the drive-in movie theater peaked in popularity from the late 1950s to early 1960s. You can relive the glory days at retro drive-ins like Sandell Theater in Clarendon, TX.

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Lamborghini at 50

Lamborghini at 50

You are what you drive. Who’d want to admit that -- unless, of course, you’re driving this motor-sportin’ beaut. Fifty years ago, the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer got its start in the northern Italian town of Sant'Agata Bolognese. In May 2013, the automaker celebrates by hosting a 700-mile road trip through northern and central Italy. Andiamo!9601280

You are what you drive. Who’d want to admit that -- unless, of course, you’re driving this motor-sportin’ beaut. Fifty years ago, the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer got its start in the northern Italian town of Sant'Agata Bolognese. In May 2013, the automaker celebrates by hosting a 700-mile road trip through northern and central Italy. Andiamo!

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David Livingstone's 200th

David Livingstone's 200th

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Why, indeed it is: 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the famed Scottish explorer’s birth. At the age of 27, the young missionary headed for Africa. Fascinated by the continent’s beauty, he went on to spend 30 years in places such as modern-day Botswana and Zambia. In the end, his one regret was that he hadn’t spent enough time with his children. Honor the great doctor’s legacy; take the kids on safari.9601280

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Why, indeed it is: 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the famed Scottish explorer’s birth. At the age of 27, the young missionary headed for Africa. Fascinated by the continent’s beauty, he went on to spend 30 years in places such as modern-day Botswana and Zambia. In the end, his one regret was that he hadn’t spent enough time with his children. Honor the great doctor’s legacy; take the kids on safari.

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Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii 40th

Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii 40th

We’re caught in a trap, I can’t walk out … and why would you want to? Not when the setting is the beautiful Aloha State. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the King’s live concert from the capital city of Honolulu. Celebrate Elvis’ love of all things Hawaiian with your own journey to his favorite spots, like Hanauma Bay, featured in his films Blue Hawaii and Paradise, Hawaiian Style. 9601280

We’re caught in a trap, I can’t walk out … and why would you want to? Not when the setting is the beautiful Aloha State. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the King’s live concert from the capital city of Honolulu. Celebrate Elvis’ love of all things Hawaiian with your own journey to his favorite spots, like Hanauma Bay, featured in his films Blue Hawaii and Paradise, Hawaiian Style.

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Emancipation Proclamation's 150th

Emancipation Proclamation's 150th

With a stroke of the pen, Abraham Lincoln opened the door to the eradication of America’s greatest evil. The end of slavery would not come with the simple signing of this executive order on Jan. 1, 1863, but it did make abolition an official goal of the Civil War. Revisit that chapter in the exhibit “Changing America,” at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History through Sept. 15, 2013.9601280

With a stroke of the pen, Abraham Lincoln opened the door to the eradication of America’s greatest evil. The end of slavery would not come with the simple signing of this executive order on Jan. 1, 1863, but it did make abolition an official goal of the Civil War. Revisit that chapter in the exhibit “Changing America,” at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History through Sept. 15, 2013.

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Gettysburg at 150

Gettysburg at 150

“Four score and 7 years ago …” The passion of Abraham Lincoln’s words, all 272 of them, gave meaning to what history would record as the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Relive this pivotal moment in US history with a trip to this stretch of southern Pennsylvania, during the 150th anniversary year of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address.9601280

“Four score and 7 years ago …” The passion of Abraham Lincoln’s words, all 272 of them, gave meaning to what history would record as the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Relive this pivotal moment in US history with a trip to this stretch of southern Pennsylvania, during the 150th anniversary year of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address.

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I Have a Dream Turns 50

I Have a Dream Turns 50

Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. led the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; stand in the exact spot where MLK delivered his speech at the Lincoln Memorial. 2013 sees other big civil rights anniversaries, including the 100th birthday of the “first lady of civil rights” Rosa Parks and the 50th anniversary of protests in Birmingham, AL, that triggered a national dialogue about the need for civil rights for African-American citizens.9601280

Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. led the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; stand in the exact spot where MLK delivered his speech at the Lincoln Memorial. 2013 sees other big civil rights anniversaries, including the 100th birthday of the “first lady of civil rights” Rosa Parks and the 50th anniversary of protests in Birmingham, AL, that triggered a national dialogue about the need for civil rights for African-American citizens.

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West Virginia's 150th

West Virginia's 150th

The Mountain State marks its 150th anniversary in 2013. In June 1863, at the height of the Civil War, an expanse of land in the Appalachian Mountain range broke away from the state of Virginia, becoming the only state to form by seceding from the Confederacy. Among West Virginia’s must-see sites is the New River Gorge, a 3,030-foot-long steel arch bridge near Fayetteville, WV.9601280

The Mountain State marks its 150th anniversary in 2013. In June 1863, at the height of the Civil War, an expanse of land in the Appalachian Mountain range broke away from the state of Virginia, becoming the only state to form by seceding from the Confederacy. Among West Virginia’s must-see sites is the New River Gorge, a 3,030-foot-long steel arch bridge near Fayetteville, WV.

Mount Rushmore (Keystone, SD)

You can't get more presidential than Mount Rushmore. This national memorial in South Dakota features the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. 9601280

You can't get more presidential than Mount Rushmore. This national memorial in South Dakota features the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Thinkstock

State Capitol Rotunda (Denver, CO)

State Capitol Rotunda (Denver, CO)

The rotunda of the state capitol building in Denver features portraits of all the US presidents. 9601280

The rotunda of the state capitol building in Denver features portraits of all the US presidents.

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Greenbrier Resort (White Sulpher Springs, WV)

Greenbrier Resort (White Sulpher Springs, WV)

The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia has played host to 26 US presidents. The last president to stay at the resort during his presidency was Dwight Eisenhower.9601280

The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia has played host to 26 US presidents. The last president to stay at the resort during his presidency was Dwight Eisenhower.

Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons

Mount Vernon (Mt. Vernon, VA)

Mount Vernon (Mt. Vernon, VA)

'Visitors watch as "America's smallest parade" takes place at historic Mount Vernon, Virginia near Washington, D.C., February 20, 2006. The U.S. is celebrating President's Day with parades and pageantry throughout the country. REUTERS/Mannie Garcia'9601280

'Visitors watch as "America's smallest parade" takes place at historic Mount Vernon, Virginia near Washington, D.C., February 20, 2006. The U.S. is celebrating President's Day with parades and pageantry throughout the country. REUTERS/Mannie Garcia'

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum (Springfield, IL)

Visitors look at a depiction of President Abraham Lincoln meeting with his cabinet, while touring the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL. 9601280

Visitors look at a depiction of President Abraham Lincoln meeting with his cabinet, while touring the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL.

Reuters

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (Washington, DC)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (Washington, DC)

President Clinton touches the statue of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's dog, Fala, as he and first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, view the FDR Memorial. The memorial places Roosevelt, the country's 32nd president, alongside giants of US history, Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson with monuments in the heart of the capital.9601280

President Clinton touches the statue of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's dog, Fala, as he and first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, view the FDR Memorial. The memorial places Roosevelt, the country's 32nd president, alongside giants of US history, Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson with monuments in the heart of the capital.

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Harry S. Truman's Farmhouse Sitting Room (Independence, MO)

Harry S. Truman's Farmhouse Sitting Room (Independence, MO)

This humble sitting room is from the farmhouse of President Harry S. Truman, located in Independence, MO.9601280

This humble sitting room is from the farmhouse of President Harry S. Truman, located in Independence, MO.

National Park Service

Dwight D. Eisenhower Childhood Home (Denison,TX)

Dwight D. Eisenhower Childhood Home (Denison,TX)

Dwight D. Eisenhower, born in this house in Denison, TX, rose from modest roots to become Supreme Commander of all Allied forces during World War II and US president from 1953 to 1961.9601280

Dwight D. Eisenhower, born in this house in Denison, TX, rose from modest roots to become Supreme Commander of all Allied forces during World War II and US president from 1953 to 1961.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum (Simi Valley, CA)

Nancy Reagan touches the grave marker of her husband, Ronald Reagan, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, on June 5, 2005, the one-year anniversary of his death.9601280

Nancy Reagan touches the grave marker of her husband, Ronald Reagan, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, on June 5, 2005, the one-year anniversary of his death.

Pool/Getty Images

Monticello (Charlottesville, VA)

Monticello (Charlottesville, VA)

Monticello, near Charlottesville, VA, was designed by Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States. 9601280

Monticello, near Charlottesville, VA, was designed by Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States.

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Adams Tomb (Quincy, MA)

Adams Tomb (Quincy, MA)

The tomb of John Adams (left), second president of the US, is located at the same site as his son, John Quincy Adams (right), sixth president of the US, and their wives, at the United First Parish Church in Quincy, MA.9601280

The tomb of John Adams (left), second president of the US, is located at the same site as his son, John Quincy Adams (right), sixth president of the US, and their wives, at the United First Parish Church in Quincy, MA.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (Boston, MA)

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated in 1979, is located on Columbia Point in Boston, MA. The building is the official repository for the original papers and correspondence of the Kennedy Administration. 9601280

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated in 1979, is located on Columbia Point in Boston, MA. The building is the official repository for the original papers and correspondence of the Kennedy Administration.

Reuters

Montpelier (Orange, VA)

Montpelier (Orange, VA)

Montpelier, located near Orange, VA, was a large tobacco plantation and estate of the prominent Madison family of Virginia planters, including James Madison, fourth president of the United States.9601280

Montpelier, located near Orange, VA, was a large tobacco plantation and estate of the prominent Madison family of Virginia planters, including James Madison, fourth president of the United States.

Danita Delimont/Gallo Images/Getty Images

George H.W. Bush Library (College Station, TX)

George H.W. Bush Library (College Station, TX)

Four US presidents pose inside the George H.W. Bush Library in College Station, TX, on November 6, 1997. Shown (L-R) are Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford.9601280

Four US presidents pose inside the George H.W. Bush Library in College Station, TX, on November 6, 1997. Shown (L-R) are Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford.

REUTERS/Win McNamee

William J. Clinton Presidential Library (Little Rock, AR)

William J. Clinton Presidential Library (Little Rock, AR)

Exhibit area featuring an exact replica of the Oval Office in the White House at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR, November 17, 2004. 9601280

Exhibit area featuring an exact replica of the Oval Office in the White House at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR, November 17, 2004.